USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the Selectmen's meetings, from September 1, 1818, to April 24, 1822 > Part 14
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The Chairman was requested to notify [270.] the pro- prietors of Mill Pond Corporation to complete their drain from the bottom of Gooch street - see letter book .-
The Chairman was instructed to advertise for from 3. to 500 tons gravel, to be delivered on the Neck .-
Voted, that the committee of each section be authorized
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
to make such repairs on the School house as may be found necessary within their respective districts, during the present vacation.
The application of Josiah Knapp Esq. to have by laws passed, for the better regulation of Boylston Market, was referred to the Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Babcock & Wells. -
The Chairman reported, that the land on which the engine house No. 13. at present stands, was sold & that it was neces- sary that the house should be removed immediately - Messrs. Fitch & Wells were appointed a committee to procure a piece of land for the engine house .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 1st, 1820 .- Present the whole Board .-
Voted, that the committee who were authorized to procure a piece of land to place the engine house, of engine No. 13 - upon, be limited to the sum of two hundred dollars for the purchase of the same .-
Voted,- That so much of the by-laws for regulating the stands for carts, trucks & sleds in the town of Boston, passed the 19th day of May 1820 .- placing on the east end of Milk street next to Broad street, and ten trucks in Commercial street, be repealed - and the same five trucks placed in Milk street, be authorized to stand in Commercial street.
I certify that the foregoing is a true record of the proceed- ings of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston from the 1st day of September A D 1818 -to May 24th, 1820 .- both days included .-
Tho' Clark, Town Clerk.
-
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES.
BOOK TWENTY-THIRD.
[1.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 17.
1820. Present Messrs. Benjamin Austin, Daniel Baxter, Jonathan Loring, Eliphalet Williams & Jeremiah Fitch .-
The oath of office was administered to all the above named gentlemen, by the Town Clerk .-
Attest, Tho' Clark, Town Clk.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen, March 21st 1820 - Present - Messrs. Austin, Baxter, Loring, Williams, Fitch, Samuel Billings, Abram Babcock, Robert Fennelly & Samuel Adams Wells .-
Voted to proceed to the choice of a chairman.
Messrs. Wells & Fitch were appointed a committee to receive, sort & count the votes .-
Ballots being taken it appeared that Eliphalet Williams, Esq. was chosen.
Attest, Tho' Clark, Town Clerk.
[2.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen March 22d. 1820 - Present Messrs. Williams, Austin, Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fennelly, Fitch & Wells.
The Town Clerk informed the Board, that he had admin- istered the oath of office to Messrs. Billings, Fennelly, Babcock, & Wells .-
34 Jurors were drawn for the Boston Court of Common Pleas .-
Voted, that the Board be divided into committees as follows. Viz .-
Section No. 1. to be assigned to Messrs. Babcock & Fen- nelly - Wards No. 1. 2. & 3 -
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Section No. 2 to Messrs. Billings & Fitch & to consist of Wards No. 4. 5 & 9. -
Section No. 3 to Messrs. Austin, Loring & Wells to consist of Wards No. 6. 7. 8 & 10 .-
Section No. 4 to Messrs. Baxter & Wells to consist of Wards No. 11 & 12 .-
Messrs. Williams, Fitch & Babcock, committee of the Market.
[3.] Mr. Loring committee of Hay Scales.
Messrs. Fitch, Loring & Wells, committee on the Town House.
Messrs. Austin, Loring & Wells committee on the Common. Messrs. Baxter, & Wells committee on the Neck.
The police officer was authorized to dispose of the manure in the streets, under the direction of the Chairman .-
Attest, Tho' Clark, Town Clerk.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen March 24th 1820 - Present the whole board .-
On the application of Benjamin Russell, William Sullivan & Stephen Codman Esq's in behalf of the Federal Citizens of this town for the use of Faneuil Hall on the evening of the 2d. April next.
It was voted unanimously that the request be granted .-
Attest, Tho' Clark, Town Clk.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen March 29th. 1820 - Present the whole board .-
[4.] A communication was received from David Sears Esq. offering the town a portion of his land in Elm street, for the purpose of widening that street, which being read, was com- mitted to Messrs. Austin, Loring & Billings.
A remonstrance was received from a number of the inhab- itants occupying stores in Broad street; against trucks, &c. being allowed to stand in that street - which was read & committed to the Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Babcock, Billings & Wells .-
An application from the proprietors of St. Pauls church for a portion of the street was committed to the Chairman, granting
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
liberty on condition they build a substantial board fence, lay a plank walk & leave the street thirty feet wide until their building shall be completed .-
Alan Pollock was chosen Sealer of Weights & Measures.
James Wilson was appointed Town Cryer, during the pleasure of the Board.
Caleb Loring Jr. was chosen Sealer & Weigher of Boats & Lighters. -
[5.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 29. 1820 - Present the whole board.
The application of Henry Chapman & Co. praying that the rent of the land leased by the town to them may be remitted in consequence of the late fire - Voted that the last year's rent be remitted.
The application of the School Committee, to have twenty- five buckets placed in each of the public school houses, was granted & Mr. Loring requested to procure the same.
The Chairman was requested to have a dinner provided for the Board on the 3d April & to invite the Selectmen of the past year, the Secretary & Treasurer of the Commonwealth, the Hon. John Phillips, County & Town Treasurer, Sheriff of Suffolk, Rev. Mr. Sharp & Revd. Mr. Dean, to dine with them.
Recommendation was signed to the overseers of the poor in favour of Jacob Amee to obtain Mary Langdon as an appren- tice from the alms house.
[4.] Passed upon a number of applications for approba- tion of victuallers &c .-
The application of the occupants of vegetable stalls in the market for repairs, was committed to the committee of the Market.
At a Meeting April 5, 1820 - Present the whole Board.
Application of Turner Phillips Esq. to deliver up papers &c. to persons authorized by this board - was committed to Messrs. Wells, Austin & Fitch .- with full power to adjust the account & receive the papers from Mr. Phillips .-
Application of a committee of the Fire Wards, to appropri- ate land for the use of the fire men - was referred to Messrs. Loring, Fitch & Wells .-
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
Application of Samuel Parkman Esq. & others, to erect a portico at the east end of Faneuil Hall, was referred to the committee [5.] of the Market.
Present the whole Board - April 7, 1820 .-
Voted, that we will exercise the power vested in us by law, restraining certain streets from incumbrance of auctions .-
Voted, that the Chairman be instructed not to grant a license for an auction office in State street.
Voted, that Caleb Hayward be appointed police officer; Captain of Watch, & Tythingman: - and his salary for those three offices be fixed at the rate of Nine hundred dollars pr. annum during the pleasure of the Selectmen .-
Mr. Samuel Phillips was chosen Hay Weigher .-
Voted, that Nathaniel Meriam be appointed Clerk of the Market - and that his salary be fixed at and after the rate of eight hundred dollars per annum exclusive of any commis- sions for collecting rents &c. during the pleasure of the Select- men .-
Application of Noah Brooks relative to extending road at South Boston referred to Committee of Section No. 4 .-
[6.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 12th, 18[20]- Present the whole board .-
The Overseers of the Poor having applied to this Board for their assistance in carrying into effect a law of this Common- wealth passed the 25th. day of February last on the subject of paupers, &c .- and the two boards having met, it was proposed that each board should appoint two persons, who with the Chairman of the Selectmen should be a committee to examine the law and report what was necessary to be done on the subject - Messrs. Austin & Wells were chosen on the part of the Selectmen-
Voted that the Chairman instruct the Superintendent of Lamps to discontinue lighting after Saturday next, to place the ladders, burners &c. in Faneuil Hall & let the lamps remain in the streets.
Voted that the Chairman & Mr. Austin be a committee to superintend the regulation of the clock .-
['7.] The application of a number of citizens for continu- ing Sumner street to Bowdoin street was referred to the com- mittee of Section No. 3-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
Voted that the Town Clerk be instructed to furnish the Chairman of every committee appointed by this Board with the names of the committee & the subject committed to them .-
The Committee appointed to take into consideration a pro- posal made by David Sears Esq. to purchase a portion of land belonging to him situated in Elm street, in order to enlarge that street, "Report, that as the boundary of this land drawn in a straight line from the adjacent buildings, would only widen & enlarge the street immediately within the bounds of said Sears, and would give no additional width, or extent to the street either above or below, they are not disposed to take any measures upon that subject.
Benjamin Austin, per order.
The foregoing report was read & accepted. (Signd.) Thomas Clark, Town Clerk.
[8.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 19, 1820 - Present Messrs. Williams, Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fennelly, Fitch & Wells.
The application of Luther Ellis, in behalf of himself & David Hinckley, on the subject of land taken into Blossom street by the Town - was referred to Messrs. Wells, Loring & Fitch.
Mr. David Jones was licensed as an auctioneer at No. 6 Ann street .-
The committee chosen to take into consideration the appli- cation of sundry persons residing on Mount Vernon and its vicinity requesting that a new street may be opened which will unite Sumner with Bowdoin street, &c. have attended to the duty assigned them, and report; that in their opinion, it is inexpedient to unite the two streets as the advantages to be gained thereby as stated in their application, may be equally well obtained by reducing the summit of Sumner street to a level with that of Bowdoin street, commencing at the junction of Hancock street with the former, levelling it to the same height [9.] As Bowdoin street, from thence to land owned by D. D. Rogers Esquire and from thence giving a gradual and easy descent to Beacon street, by which, the access to Mount Vernon may be made equally safe and com- modious, as it would be by the proposed communication .-
The committee therefore recommend this measure to be adopted and that the gravel which will thereby be obtained be applied to the repairing of the Public walks in and about the Common .-
S. A. Wells. Per order.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
Boston April 18. 1820 -
The foregoing report was read & accepted .-
Application of Thomas K. Jones and others on the subject of a drain under Merchants Hall, was committed to Messrs. Loring, Fitch & Wells.
The application of Mrs. Joy for allowance for expence on Beacon street, the last year, was referred to the Committee of Section No. 3.
Voted that the Chairman be requested to make arrange- ments with Mr. Copeland, for the regulation of the Mall & Common, on Election and [10.] other public days .-
The application of Edward Tuckerman Esq. & others on the subject of widening Brattle street, was committed to the Chairman, Messrs. Fitch, Loring & Billings.
The Board came to the choice of a gentleman to deliver an oration on the 4th. of July next ;- And voted, that the Revd. Edward Everett be requested to deliver the annual oration, before the town on the next anniversary of American Independ- ence on the 4th. day of July next, and that the Chairman be requested to communicate notice thereof to Mr. Everett.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen Saturday 22d. 1820 - Present the whole Board, except Mr. Austin .-
The Chairman communicated a letter from Revd. Mr. Everett, wherein that gentleman declines accepting the appoint- ment of orator for the 4th. of July .- Whereupon The Board came to the choice of a gentleman to deliver an oration on the 4th. July next; and voted unanimously, [11.] That Theodore Lyman Junr. Esq. be requested to deliver the annual oration, before the town on the next anniversary of American Inde- pendence on the 4th. day of July next, and that the Chairman be requested to communicate notice thereof to Mr. Lyman.
Eliphalet Williams Esq. was chosen treasurer of the Board of Selectmen.
The committee appointed to superintend the town clocks, reported, that they had agreed with Messrs. Adams & Eaton to take charge of them (four in number) the present year for the sum of one hundred & ten dollars .-
The Chairman was requested to advertize for a messenger for this Board; that his salary be paid at the rate of three
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
hundred & sixty five dollars Per annum; & that he be elected during the pleasure of the Board .-
Voted that the Chairman be authorized to furnish the family of Saml. Champney with such necessaries as he may think proper, not exceeding the amount of one month's pay.
[12.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 26th. 1820. Present the whole Board, except Mr. Austin.
An application to pave Common street, from Hamilton Place to Winter street was referred to the committee of Section No. 3.
The application of Mr. S. Hyde to lease lots of land on the Neck was referred to the Committee of Section No. 4 .--
An application to open a street from Merimack street to Leverett street - was referred to the whole Board .-
The application of a number of the inhabitants, that the easterly part of Prince street may be new paved the present season was referred to the committee of Section No. 1 to view & report .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 3d. 1820 - Present the whole Board, except Mr. Austin .-
[13.] The Chairman reported, that he had leased the Bull pasture to Mr. William Fiske for one year at the rent of thirty dollars.
Voted, that a number of constables poles be provided suffi- cient to make the whole number twenty four. Also that a suitable badge be provided for the police officer.
The Chairman Messrs. Wells & Loring a committee to procure the same.
On the application of Thomas Badger, John Brazer & William Ingalls Esqrs. in behalf of the Republicans Citizens of Boston, for the use of Faneuil Hall on the 4th. July next - It was Voted, unanimously that the request be granted .-
The application of Josiah Knapp Esq. on the subject of the south watch house, was committed to the whole Board .-
Voted, that the Chairman be instructed to have the Select- men's Room repaired by painting, papering &c .-
The application of the Board of Health on the subject of a drain in Gooch street was committed to Messrs. Loring & Fitch.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
[14.] The application to open a new street from Orange street to Front street, was committed to the whole Board .-
An application from a committee of the Board of Fire Wards, to appoint a company of fire men, was referred to Messrs. Loring Fitch & Wells .-
Boston ss. At a special meeting of the Selectmen May 4, 1820 .- Present Messrs. Williams, Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fitch & Wells .-
The Chairman having announced to the Board, that [the] Hon. Benjamin Austin a member of this Board, had deceased this morning.
It was voted, as a testimony of respect for the memory of Hon. Benjamin Austin deceased, our late associate at the Board of Selectmen, we will attend the interment of his remains on Saturday next, and that the members of the Board of Over- seers of the Poor, of the School Committee of the Board of Health, the Firewards, and other town officers, be also requested to attend .-
(Copy) Attest, Thomas Clark Town Clerk.
N. B. The above was inserted in the public papers.
[15.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen May 10th. 1820-Present Messrs. Williams, Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fennelly, Fitch & Wells .-
The application of Jabez Wilson & others the subject of a road at South Boston, was referred to the committee of Section No. 4 .-
Sealed proposals were received and opened, for building a fence on the Common; when it appeared that, Ebenezer White's proposals were seventy cents per foot, Edward Gray sixty cents, & John Cushing & Elijah Hunt's fifty cents per foot, the latter of which proposals was accepted by the Board, & the Chairman authorized to make a contract with Messrs. Cushing & Hunt, the work to be done under the inspection of the committee of the Common.
A communication was received from the Justices of the Court of Sessions, on the subject of opening a street from Merimack to Leverett streets, requesting this Board to meet them at the grand jurors room in the new Court House on Friday afternoon next.
The Board voted to attend.
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
[16.] The application of Henry Sargent Esq. for the use of Faneuil Hall, for the purpose of exhibiting his painting of the landing of the Fathers, was granted, under such regulations & restrictions as shall be required by the Chairman .-
The subject of regulating the watch was committed to Messrs. Wells, Loring, & Fitch.
The Chairman was instructed to provide a dinner on the 15th. instant for the Board, and to invite as guests the following gentlemen, Viz. the members of the former Board of Selectmen the Hon. John Phillips Revd. Messrs. Sharp, Dean & Ware and the Town Treasurer .-
The committee to whom was referred the request of Messrs. T & E. Motley for permission to receive and deliver goods out- side of their store &c. have attended to their duty & ask leave to report.
That it is the opinion of your committee, that very little danger or inconvenience will occur to the inhabitants of this town by permitting Messrs. Motley's to receive & deliver goods agreeable to their petition-Your committee would therefore recommend that their request be granted-all which is respect- fully submitted.
(Copy) Saml. Billings chairman.
The foregoing report was accepted by the Board.
[17.] Boston ss. At a special meeting of the Selectmen May 12. 1820-Present Messrs. Williams, Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fennelly, Fitch & Wells.
Whereas William Whall and others, residing in Atkinson street, have represenred to the Selectmen that the drain or common sewer in that street has gone to decay, and prays the same may be opened and repaired at the expense of the pro- prietors.
Ordered that said William Whall notify all the proprietors of said drain or common sewer by advertising in the Boston Daily Advertiser, & Boston Patriot & Daily Mercantile Adver- tiser six times in each, the last advertisement to be at least three days before the 25th. day of May instant, to all persons interested or who may be benefited by such repairs, to appear at the selectmen's room, Faneuil Hall any day previous to said twenty fifth day of May from 12 to 1. o'clock and show cause, if any they have, why the said drain or common sewer should not be. opened and repaired, and the expense thereof assessed according to law.
By order of the Selectmen. (signd., Eliphalet Williams, Chairman.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
[18.] (Copy of) Notice
All persons who are proprietors in the drain or com- mon sewer. leading through Cotton Alley & Hatter square, from Otis place Marlboro, Franklin & High streets, Round Lane Federal & Sister streets, Federal Court, Berry, Atkinson, Milk, Broad & Commercial streets. are hereby notified to appear at the Selectmen's room, any day from 12 until 1. o.clock, Sundays excepted, previous to the 25. instant, and shew cause, if any they have, why the subscriber should not be authorized to open, cleanse and repair said drain or common sewer, and the expense be assessed on all the proprietors who may be benefited, in proportion as their drains connect therewith, according to law .-
(Signed, William Whall
Boston May 12, 1820.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen May 17th. 1820. Present the whole Board.
Whereas Jonathan Wright has represented to the Selectmen of Boston that the drain or common sewer in Jarvis' Row has gone to decay and prays that the same may be opened and repaired at the expense of the proprietors-
Ordered, That said Jonathan Wright notify all the pro- prietors of said drain or common sewer, by giving personal notice of this order, or leaving a written copy of the same with each [19.] proprietor at least seven days previous to the 27th. of May, instant, to all persons interested or who may be benefited by such repairs to appear at the Selectmen's room, Faneuil Hall, any day (Sunday excepted) previous to the said 27th day of May instant, between the hours of 12 & 1 o.clock, and shew cause if any they have, why such drain or common sewer should not be opened & repaired, & the expense thereof assessed according to law.
By order of the Selectmen
(Signd.) Elip Williams Chairman.
The application of John D. Howard Jr. to be authorized to raise a company of fire men was referred to Messrs. Loring, Fitch & Wells.
The committee appointed to take into consideration the claim of Luther Ellis & David Hinckley Esqrs. to land alleged to have been taken by the town and forming a part of Blossom street at the westerly part of the town have attended to that service and report;
That after as full an investigation & examination of the subject as its nature would admit the committee were unani-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
mously [of the] opinion, that no right exists in the said Ellis & Hinckley to any part of the land composing the said street and that their claim has no foundation in equity.
Respectfully submitted
(signd.) S. A. Wells Per order Boston May 16. 1820 .-
The foregoing report was read & accepted.
[20.] The Chairman was authorised to employ Mr. Taylor to survey that part of Elm street near the building erecting for a new tavern; and requested to meet such members of the Board as could attend tomorrow morning at 9 o clock at that place & take possession of the land belonging to the town.
The Chairman & Mr. Baxter were authorized to ascertain whether the Rev. Mr. Lowell can legally hold his seat as one of the School Committee.
The Chairman was instructed to advertize for sealed pro- posals to do the paving of the streets the present year - appli- cation to be made prior to the 1st June .-
The subject of the south watch house near Mr. Knapps land, was committed to the Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Babcock & Wells.
The Chairman was authorized to make a contract with Messrs. John Cushing & Elisha Hunt to build a fence on the east side of the new mall, at the rate of fifty cents per foot running measure.
(Signd., Thos. Clark Town Clerk.
[21.] Boston ss. At a special meeting of the Selectmen May 20th. 1820 .- Present Messrs. Williams, Baxter, Babcock, Billings & Wells .-
Warrant was signed for town meeting on the 29th. instant .-
The Chairman reported, that (accompanied by Messrs. Babcock, Fitch & Wells) he had proceeded to Elm street with Mr. William Taylor, and measured from the corner of the store belonging to the heirs of Samuel Torrey, deceased, in a straight line leading westerly to the corner of the stable belong- ing to Mrs. Bray, late the property of Samuel Elliot Esq .. deceased; nineteen feet six inches on that line, being the town's property taken from Paine & Gurley September 29. 1801 .-- then continued the same line thirteen & one half feet further to the corner of the building now erecting for a tavern house attached to the New Market being thirty three feet in all
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
from the corner of Torrey's buildings - The width of the street will now be from this corner to Pattersons house opposite, twenty six feet and six inches - Possession was taken of the same in behalf of the town .- Report accepted (Signed) Thos. Clark, Town Clerk.
[22.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen May 24. .
1820. Present the whole Board.
On the application of Stephen Fairbanks a complaint was made to the Judge of Probate against John David, & request- ing a guardian for him - see letter book .-
The Chairman reported that he, with Mr. Baxter had visited South Boston, & had agreed with Joseph Woodward Esq. to oversee the making the new road as laid out by the Board, expense estimated about $130.
The Chairman was requested to notify the proprietors of [the] Mill Pond Corporation to complete their drain from the bottom of Gooch street see letter book .-
The Chairman was instructed to advertise for from 3. to 500 tons gravel, to be delivered on the Neck .-
Voted, that the committee of each section be authorized to make such repairs on the school houses as may be found necessary within their respective districts, during the present vacation.
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